Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Viral Football Video Sparks Debate: Injury, CSK Captaincy, and MS Dhoni’s Return

A Viral Video That Ignited SpeculationThe Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a rollercoaster for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, and the latest twist has set social media ablaze. 

A video of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad playing football during a training session has gone viral, raising eyebrows and fueling debates. This comes right after CSK announced that Gaikwad is ruled out of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury, with MS Dhoni stepping in as captain. The internet is buzzing with reactions, some questioning if Gaikwad was "forcefully dropped" from the team. Let’s dive into the drama, the injury, the captaincy change, and what this means for CSK’s IPL 2025 

The Viral Video: Ruturaj Gaikwad Playing Football

In the viral clip, Ruturaj Gaikwad is seen enjoying a light-hearted football session, showcasing his athleticism during what appears to be a CSK training camp. 

Fans were quick to share the video across platforms like X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with reactions ranging from amusement to skepticism. The timing of the video couldn’t be more controversial—Gaikwad was recently ruled out of the entire IPL 2025 season due to a hairline fracture in his elbow, sustained during a match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30.

The sight of Gaikwad kicking a football led some fans to question the severity of his injury. Comments like “Forcefully dropped?” and “If he’s injured, how’s he playing football?” flooded social media. Others defended him, pointing out that an elbow injury doesn’t restrict leg movement, with one user humorously noting, “His arm is injured, not his legs!” The video has added fuel to an already heated discussion about CSK’s leadership and Gaikwad’s future with the franchise

The Injury That Shocked CSK Fans

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury has been a major setback for Chennai Super Kings, who are struggling in IPL 2025 with four losses in five matches. According to CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, Gaikwad sustained the injury when he was hit by a short ball from Jofra Archer during the Rajasthan Royals game in Guwahati. Despite playing through pain in subsequent matches against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, an MRI revealed a fracture in his elbow’s radial neck, ruling him out for the season.

Gaikwad, a key batter and captain, was CSK’s second-highest run-scorer this season with 122 runs at a strike rate of 150.61. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the batting lineup and leadership. Fans expressed disappointment but also admiration for Gaikwad’s resilience, as he continued to play despite the pain. His heartfelt message to fans, wishing the team a strong finish under the “young wicketkeeper” (a cheeky nod to MS Dhoni), won hearts but also sparked curiosity about the captaincy.

MS Dhoni’s Return: A Nostalgic Twist for CSK

-:With Gaikwad sidelined, MS Dhoni’s return as CSK captain has sent fans into a frenzy. The 43-year-old legend, who handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad before IPL 2024, is back to lead the five-time champions. Dhoni’s leadership legacy is unmatched, with IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. His calm demeanor and tactical genius make him a fan favorite, and social media erupted with “Captain Cool is back” posts.

This isn’t the first time Dhoni has reclaimed the captaincy mid-season. In 2022, he took over from Ravindra Jadeja after a string of losses, and now, with CSK languishing at ninth in the IPL 2025 points table, fans are hopeful he can turn things around. Dhoni’s return adds intrigue to CSK’s upcoming matches, starting with a high-stakes clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 11 at Chepauk.

Internet Reactions: Was Gaikwad “Forcefully Dropped”?

The viral football video has led to wild speculation online. Some fans believe Gaikwad’s injury is a convenient excuse, hinting at internal team dynamics or a strategic move to bring Dhoni back. Comments like “Ruturaj dropped like Jadeja was in 2022” and “CSK forcing Dhoni’s return?” reflect the skepticism. Others argue that Gaikwad’s injury is genuine, and the football video is either old or simply a case of him staying active in a non-strenuous way.

CSK’s recent struggles—losing four consecutive games after an opening win against Mumbai Indians—have intensified scrutiny. Gaikwad’s captaincy came under the spotlight, with critics pointing to fielding lapses and batting failures. However, supporters rallied behind him, praising his composure and batting prowess, including two half-centuries this season. The “forcefully dropped” narrative seems to stem from fans’ emotional attachment to both Gaikwad and Dhoni, creating a divide in the CSK 

What’s Next for CSK and Gaikwad?

CSK now faces the challenge of reviving their IPL 2025 campaign without Gaikwad. Dhoni’s experience will be crucial, but the team needs to address batting inconsistencies and fielding errors. Potential replacements like uncapped players Shaik Rasheed, C Andre Siddarth, or Vansh Bedi could step up, while young talent Ayush Mhatre has joined the squad as a support player.For Gaikwad, the focus shifts to recovery. 

The 27-year-old has been a cornerstone for CSK, with 2380 runs in 66 IPL matches and an Orange Cap win in 2021. His light-hearted support for the team from the dugout shows his commitment, but fans are eager to see him back in action, possibly in domestic tournaments or IPL 2026.

Why This Matters to Cricket Fans Globally

The Gaikwad-Dhoni saga transcends Indian cricket, resonating with fans worldwide. CSK’s yellow army is a global phenomenon, and Dhoni’s return taps into nostalgia for fans in countries like Australia, the UK, and the UAE. The viral video controversy highlights how social media amplifies cricket narratives, making IPL a cultural spectacle. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Melbourne, or Manchester, the drama of Gaikwad’s injury and CSK’s captaincy switch is impossible to ignore.

 Conclusion: A Season of Twists and Turns

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s viral football video has added a spicy chapter to CSK’s IPL 2025 story. While his injury is a blow, MS Dhoni’s return as captain brings hope and excitement. The internet’s “forcefully dropped” claims may be speculative, but they reflect the passion of cricket fans. As CSK gears up to face KKR, all eyes will be on Dhoni’s leadership and whether he can steer the team out of troubled waters. For Gaikwad, the road to recovery begins, with fans rooting for their star to shine again.

Call to Action

What do you think about Gaikwad’s football video and CSK’s captaincy change? Is Dhoni the key to CSK’s turnaround, or was Gaikwad unfairly sidelined? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow our blog for the latest IPL 2025 updates, cricket news, and viral moments!

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